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Phenotypic and functional characterization of the host immune compartment of chronic myeloid leukaemia patients in complete haematological remission
Author(s) -
Guarini Anna,
Breccia Massimo,
Montefusco Enrico,
Petti Maria Concetta,
Zepparoni Alessia,
Vitale Antonella,
Foa Robin
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.02724.x
Subject(s) - cytotoxic t cell , cd8 , immunology , immune system , cytokine , biology , il 2 receptor , myeloid , lymphocyte , interferon gamma , t cell , medicine , in vitro , genetics
The role of the host immune compartment in the control of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has been suggested by numerous biological and clinical evidence. In the present study, the phenotypic and functional machinery of both T and cytotoxic lymphocytes was evaluated in a series of CML patients in complete haematological, and frequently also in cytogenetic, remission after treatment with interferon (IFN) α or hydroxyurea, and compared with the profile observed in patients at diagnosis and in normal controls. In particular, the lymphocyte subset distribution, the cytotoxic activity and the intracellular production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and IFNγ by CD4 + , CD8 + and CD56 + cells were investigated. CML patients in complete haematological remission showed a normalized CD4/CD8 T‐cell subset distribution, as well as a restored spontaneous and interleukin 2 (IL‐2) induced cytotoxic function compared with the pattern observed at diagnosis. This was associated with a significantly increased proportion of activated CD4 + lymphocytes (CD25 + ). TNFα and IFNγ production by CD4 + , CD8 + and CD56 + lymphocytes was significantly enhanced compared with that of patients at diagnosis. However, the values were lower than those of normal controls. These results indicate that, in contrast to the observations at presentation, CML patients, at the time of the best possible response to treatment, show a normalized T‐cell subset distribution associated with an activated CD4 T‐cell compartment and a restored cytotoxic activity. In addition, they also show a markedly increased intracellular cytokine production by the lymphoid populations that play an important role in the process of specific tumour recognition. The design of therapeutic strategies aimed at stimulating the host immune compartment finds a further rationale for CML patients responsive to treatment with both IFNα and hydroxyurea.